Unai Emery has explained his Arsenal team selection for the north London derby against Tottenham after benching Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Ozil played a starring role in the 5-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday but drops to the bench for Arsenal’s trip to Wembley today.
Arsenal top goalscorer Aubameyang joins Ozil on the bench, with Emery opting to start Alexandre Lacazette up front.
Asked about his team selection before the game, Emery said: ‘[We want to] play with fresh players, energy, high energy.
‘After our quality can start or be on the bench because in 90 minutes you play small matches.
‘We need all the players with big motivation to play. We are in a good way and today is a big challenge.’
Tottenham are without Harry Winks but Mauricio Pochettino says the midfielder’s injury is not a ‘big issue’.
‘We trust our squad and it’s a massive opportunity for Victor Wanyama,’ the Spurs boss said.
‘We are disappointed for Winks but hope for the next few games he will be available. It isn’t a big issue.’
Tottenham were mooted as Premier League title contenders last month but lost successive games to fall nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
If Arsenal win today, they will move to within one point of their north London rivals.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, speaking at Wembley, said: ‘I’m not sure if there’s a good or bad time to play against Spurs because this game is always special.’
Arsenal ended the game in a score draw at the Wembley stadium.
Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to cancel Aaron opener.
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